Exploring Excellence: An Interview with Owner of Irregardless, RAMMY Finalist for Wine Program of the Year
Also in this issue, you can find additional good news, upcoming events, promotions, and more.
Exploring Excellence: An Interview with Owner of Irregardless, RAMMY Finalist for Wine Program of the Year
Welcome to an exclusive interview with Harriet the Hedgehog and Phil Coppage, the owner of Irregardless Restaurant. In this conversation, Harriet delves into the unique aspects of Irregardless, exploring its acclaimed wine program that was recently recognized as a RAMMY finalist (winners will be announced on July 21st), diverse menu, and the story behind its transformation under Coppage's leadership. Join us as we uncover the dedication, passion, and creativity that make Irregardless a standout dining destination in the region.
HH: What do you believe sets your wine program apart from others in the region?
PC: Our wine program distinguishes itself through our deep connection with Virginia winemakers, which has been a cornerstone since its inception. While we feature wines from around the world, our dedication to our guests and our commitment to finding them the perfect pour truly sets us apart. We strive to create an exceptional experience by offering a curated selection that meets diverse preferences.
HH: Can you tell us about the process and criteria you use to select the wines that are featured on your menu?
PC: Despite not being a wine drinker myself, I rely heavily on the expertise of my team and feedback from our guests. Our restaurant manager, Christine Cabatuan, and other staff members with exceptional taste play a crucial role in the selection process. We collaborate with a vast network of representatives, winemakers, and friends to find bottles that complement our menu and stand out on their own. Guest feedback is invaluable, and we aim to cater to both adventurous palates and those who prefer classic, familiar options.
HH: How do you ensure that your wine program aligns with and enhances the cuisine and style of your restaurant?
PC: Our menu's eclectic nature provides ample opportunity for creative wine pairings. For instance, our coconut shrimp curry pairs beautifully with an off-dry German Riesling, enhancing the creamy coconut base. Traditional pairings, like the Early Mountain Cabernet Franc with our peppery grilled hanger steak or our bistro burger, demonstrate how well our wines complement the diverse flavors of our dishes.
HH: Diversity and quality are key aspects of your wine program. Could you share some examples of unique or rare wines that patrons might find at your establishment?
PC: We pride ourselves on offering unique and rare wines, such as orange wines and the vegan-friendly Italian Müller-Thurgau, which often surprises guests with its crispness and minerality. We also favor natural and unfiltered wines, like the Petit Verdot pet-nat from Domaine Finot, which has been a crowd-pleaser for months.
HH: Can you tell us a little about the origins of Irregardless?
PC: Irregardless opened in September 2022, and a year later, the original owners, Ian and Mika Carlin, moved to Europe and sold the restaurant to me. I initially worked as a part-time bartender and fell in love with the place, leading to the purchase in September 2023. I was fortunate to retain many of the staff, including our manager, Christine, and chef, Chris, who play pivotal roles in our offerings.
Originally, Irregardless was a high-end establishment with an excellent wine program. While we've maintained the quality and standards, we've made the restaurant more accessible to the neighborhood, which has lost many great dining spots. Our menu reflects our fine dining roots but is presented and priced to align with a neighborhood wine joint.
HH: How would you describe Irregardless?
PC: Irregardless is a place where sophistication meets accessibility. While we are best known for our wine program, as evidenced by our 2024 RAMMY nomination, our menu is equally noteworthy. We offer shareable veggies like broccolini and brussels sprouts, house-made pappardelle and pesto fettuccine, and a burger that rivals any in the area. Additionally, our cheese selection is a personal passion of mine.
HH: What's next for Irregardless? What does the future hold?
PC: We're excited to introduce "Neighbor's Night" on Wednesdays, offering 10% off wine and complimentary kimchi chips at the bar.
Our Kids Night on Tuesdays has been a hit, featuring kid-friendly dishes like noodles and nuggets, mini-burgers, and egg-free pasta.
Our weekend brunch boasts excellent French toast alongside classic American dishes, and we've recently added a great Bloody Mary to the menu.
With a strong AAPI staff, we're participating in AAPI Cocktail Week with our ube cocktail, "Why Not Now," which is a delightful blend of margarita and piña colada flavors.
We're also considering adding trivia nights to our lineup.
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More good news: Mosaic Theater was nominated for three Helen Hayes awards and opened their latest show, “Mexodus,” this weekend to sold out crowds. There were 15 Helen Hayes Awards nominations for shows that were performed at Atlas Theater. Food & Wine Magazine named Daru as one of the top 20 restaurant in the US. Resy named Hiraya as one of the top 40 restaurants across America worth a journey. RAMMY has included two H Street restaurants to the list of finalists - Hiraya and Irregardless. And most importantly, a second grader wrote her final paper of the year on the great pies and entertainment at Pie Shop.
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Do you know so good news that needs to be shared? Is new business coming to H Street? Is someone celebrating a 100th birthday? Non-profit received a grant? Did someone help a neighbor? Anything special for Memorial Day weekend, Flag Day, or Father’s Day? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Atlas (atlasarts.org)
June 7 at 7:30 pm: Atlas Arts Lab Presents Rex Daugherty’s The Well: The Well is a musical memoir that explores addiction and the hope of forgiveness. Rex Daugherty shares the hilarious and heartbreaking in this intimate story and song cycle of all original singer-songwriter material.
June 8 at 6:00 pm: Atlas Arts Lab presents LINKED: In this work, Chitra utilizes her signature aesthetic, bringing together the movement languages of Indian Classical dance and Hip Hop culture to create full-body, energetic, and soulful dance works.
June 22 at 6:00 pm: Atlas Arts Lab presents syBLINGS!: Through ritual, nothing living dies! This interactive multi-media performance will tell the story of syBLINGS!’ inherent desire to deconstruct religion, venerate their Ancestors, and exemplify creative expression as an undergirding force for transformation.
Granville Moore’s (granvillemoores.com)
Wednesday, May 29: Spring Fling Beer Dinner - Join us for a 5-Course tasting menu paired with some exclusive seasonal beers from 7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Mosaic Theater (mosaictheater.org)
May 16 – June 9 at Atlas Theater: Mexodus – History meets hip-hop in this groundbreaking theatrical experience that explores the often-untold stories of enslaved people in the United States who sought freedom in Mexico, rather than looking north.
Pie Shop (pieshopdc.com)
Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 pm, $15/person (all ages) - The Glistening: Dance/Party/Performance/Gathering – Featuring: Twelve’Len, ZAWADI, DJ Bliberation
Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 pm, $15/person (all ages) - Another Michael w/ Tench, Nina Gala
Sunday, May 26 at 7:30 pm, $15/person (all ages) - Surely Tempo w/ Tony Jupiter
Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 pm, $15/person (21 and up) - Cuzco w/ Tabriz, Dasavagehimself and Clay-Doh
Friday, May 31 at 7:30 pm, $15/person (all ages) - Massie Single Release Show With Dosser
SolidState (solidstatebooksdc.com)
Tuesday, May 28 from 7-8 pm: SciFi Fantasy Book Club - The Fifth Head of Cerebus
Thursday, May 30 from 6-8 pm: Knits n’ Yarns - Come join us while we craft (knit, crochet, etc) while talking about what we’re reading, or want to read.
Every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30-11 am: Children’s story time.
Any upcoming events happening on H Street that we need to announce? Anything special for Memorial Day weekend, Flag Day, or Father’s Day? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Daru (darudc.com)
Bar Happy Hour Everyday from 5-6:30 pm - $10 Snacks and Cocktails
Fatty’s Tattoos and Piercings (fattystattoos.com)
Jewelry Sale! 15% off al BVLA jewelry from now until June 14th. Appointment required.
Insomnia Cookies (insomniacookies.com)
All 2024 Grads (high school, college & grad school) wearing their cap & gown in store get 1 free classic cookie until 6/3
Get a 12-pack for $24 for the rest of May
Irregardless (irregardlessdc.com)
Kids Night on Tuesdays 5-7 pm – special kids menu
Wine Wednesdays 5:30 pm – 10% off glasses and bottles, happy hour excluded
Maketto (maketto1351.com)
Until May 31 from 9-10 am - enjoy a complimentary pastry with every coffee purchase.
Mosaic Theater (mosaictheater.org)
Buy One, Get One Offer for Memorial Day weekend performances of Exodus. CODE: MXBOGO for following shows: Fri 7 pm; Sat 8 pm; Sun 3 pm.
Milk & Honey (themilkandhoney.com)
May 14th-June 16th – Buy a $100 Gift Card online, and receive a $15 bonus card
Pow Pow (eatpowpow.com)
CODE “LUCKY8” to get 20% off your online order through the end of May
We are looking for regular promotions to share with the readers as well as specifically, Memorial Day Weekend Memorial Day weekend, Flag Day, or Father’s Day deals. Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Do you have furniture, bikes, books, or clothes to gift or for sale? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Do you know of a home or commercial space for sale/rent? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
BLOG - Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond: Where Flavor Meets Fun in Every Bite
If you're in the mood for a culinary adventure that's as delightful as it is delicious, look no further than Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond. Tucked away in the heart of H Street, this hidden gem combines the excitement of an electronic menu with the comforting warmth of a hot pot experience, resulting in a dining journey that is sure to leave you craving more. (Read Full BLOG Post)